I was encouraged by a cousin to create a few dog constellation paintings in honor of Chinese New Year. Although, I did manage to get them painted around the 16th. I just did not have time to blog about it until today. There is really not much of a connection between Canis Major and the Chinese Zodiac but it was a fun crossover project. The Chinese Zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle represented by twelve animals. This year is the year of the dog. 
Canis Major is the constellation of the dog shape. Canis major can be found at the heals of Orion a faithful dog with his hunter chasing down Lepus (rabbit) and Columbia (dove) at the feet of Orion. Canis Major holds the Dog Star or Sirius the brightest star in the night sky. Canis minor can be found just below Gemini and is separated from Orion and Canis Major by Monoceros.
I like to think of Canis major with Orion on a never-ending cosmic hunt with Lepus and Columbia narrowly escaping each night.
Happy Art Journey,
Justine
